Main menu

Join more than 217,685 Americans who want bold action on climate change.

Sen. Gillibrand stands up for the EPA's power to regulate dirty coal

13

Jul

Sen. Gillibrand stands up for the EPA's power to regulate dirty coal

By Luis Hestres

During the fight to strengthen and pass the climate bill in the House, we argued strongly for keeping the EPA's authority to regulate pollution from coal-fired power plants. Unfortunately that authority was stripped from the House bill, but now we're starting to hear from senators who feel strongly that the EPA should retain that authority:

For instance, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., is worried about a provision added to the House bill that would strip the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate pollution from coal-fired power plants -- language backed by lawmakers in coal mining states. "The EPA has to have authority to regulate coal plants under the Clean Air Act," said Gillibrand, who has promised "to use every bit of persuasive power" she can to ensure the bill "reflects the needs of New York." Leaders in New York have been concerned about acid rain traced to coal-burning plants in the Midwest.

Props to Senator Gillibrand for supporting a key provision of a strong climate bill! Take a minute to thank Senator Gillibrand and tell her to stay strong on retaining the EPA's authority to regulate coal power plants.